TWIT’S A KNOCKOUT
Burke stunned to see Ireland call news on social media
GRAHAM BURKE only found out about his Ireland call-up when a Shamrock Rovers team-mate spotted it on Twitter as they ate lunch together.
But the Hoops star says the nod from Martin O’neill ahead of upcoming games against Celtic, France and USA is a ‘dream come true’.
Ex-aston Villa man Burke was sitting down for lunch on Thursday at Rovers’ training ground when Luke Byrne spotted the news on social media.
“The squad had just been announced and it popped up on Twitter, a picture, and I couldn’t believe it – I didn’t actually believe it,” he said.
“The past 48-hours have been special. I can’t put into words how I feel, the achievement for that to come, how proud I am, how proud the family are, it’s brilliant.”
Last month, Bradley was matter of fact in his believe that Burke was an Irish international in the making.
But Burke and Bradley admit this call-up has come much sooner than they ever envisaged.
“It’s a dream come true,” said Burke who scored the equaliser in Friday’s 1-1 draw with Waterford, his 10th league goal of the season.
“Any kid growing up wants to play for Ireland. To have your name in a squad, it’s an unbelievable achievement for myself.”
Ireland face Celtic at Parkhead next Sunday in Scott Brown’s testimonial and O’neill (inset) has already said that Burke could get minutes under his belt. But the logistics are complicated by the fact Shamrock Rovers play in Sligo the night before the Glasgow game which has an early 2.00pm kick-off. Rovers then host St Pat’s two days later and go to Bohs on the Friday, with Ireland travelling to Paris the next day for the Monday clash with France. Burke said: “I don’t know how it’s going to work, I’m sure they’ll talk and discuss and let me know. But it’s going to happen and that’s what I’m going to do.” After leaving Villa, Burke lost his way in the lower leagues and left Notts County to return home to his native Dublin. He has rediscovered his love of the game – and his form – but a senior Ireland call was not what he expected from playing in the League of Ireland. “If you went back and told me this would happen, I ‘d have told you not a hope in hell.”